St. Dimitrie Orthodox Church celebrates its 100th anniversary on Friday, Sept. 6 and Saturday, Sept. 7 by welcoming surrounding communities to its annual Fall Festival. Now in its 44th year, this event has had a profound effect on the church’s ability to establish connections with the local area.Â
From St. Dimitrie’s humble beginnings in Bridgeport founded through the hard work and faith of immigrants, the beloved church in Easton invites the surrounding communities each year to celebrate its past, present and future. It does this through friendship, fellowship, and the experience of enjoying the many hand-made food delicacies passed down from generation to generation.
“St. Dimitrie is known in communities near and far for its handcrafted ethnic delicacies that are increasingly difficult to find,” said the Rev. Father George Coca. “These recipes have been handed down through the generations, and because fewer and fewer people make them at home, they come to St. Dimitrie and our festivals to enjoy traditions and tastes that still carry so much meaning.”
Visitors can tour the church to learn about the intricately painted icons and see the iconostasis, a hand-carved wooden screen bearing icons that divides the altar from the rest of the church. Completed in the 1960s, the iconostasis was brought to the Easton church from the first parish that began in 1924.
Inside the church hall, visitors will find authentic favorites like sarmale (stuffed cabbage), tavă de pesti (baked fish with tomato-onion sauce), spinach pita, grilled leg of American lamb on the rotisserie, and găina friptă (chicken with special sauce), and mititei (homemade sausage). The ever-popular pastry booth offers specialties like baklava, kadaifi, twist cookies (koulourakia), Macedonian eclairs (gallactiburrico), sweet bread (cozonac), and more.
Beer, wine, and beverages will also be available. Patrons can participate in the raffle, Take-a-Chance auction, cake walks, and enjoy music, ethnic dancing, and seeing old friends. Families with children can enjoy games, prizes, and the playground on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.
Festival hours are Friday, Sept. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 7, from noon to 8 p.m. Free admission and free parking. All are welcome. Additional information is available on the St. Dimitrie website and Facebook page or by calling 203-268-8237.
Featured photo by Richard Falco
